I am an artivist; an artist and activist. I make artwork to disrupt oppressive structures and empower social change. Much of my recent artwork and activism are about issues uniquely affecting women and girls. One Step Forward reimagines women’s heels as areas of progress or regress for one-half of the human species. They are part of the What’s Your Issue? series. Inspired by Bett Butler’s poem Disinvitation to the Dance this installation illustrates how “in heels that pinch and blister we dance the waltz of human rights.” While we celebrate the rise of the first female Vice President, the power to control our health is dangling precariously, and measures to protect our safety are barely stepping forward.
These shoes symbolize the disregard for women’s safety in everyday life, highlighted by the fact that crash test dummies designed for women are still tested only in the passenger seat. Because of this, in the installation the shoes aren’t even on the ladder yet.
Vice President Harris Heels
These heels representative of the converse worn by Kamala Harris, symbolize her historic achievement as the first female Vice President. They also embody the hope for greater diversity in leadership. They are stepping up the first rungs of the ladder symbolizing the promise of potential, realized only when those most marginalized are able and willing to vote for those like them.
Racial Injustice Heels
The raised fist symbolizes the solidarity, strength, and resistance of women of color. Many advancements have been made for women and for people of color, and this shoe’s direction and placement signify the disproportionate disparities women of color face in wages, healthcare, employment, and education.
LGBTQ Rights Heels
In recent decades, there has been significant progress in LGBTQ rights, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the enactment of anti-discrimination laws. However, challenges such as ongoing discrimination and the fight for comprehensive rights persist, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and activism.
Climate Change Heels
While the threats from climate change inaction are rising, food and water security is declining, especially for women who are particularly vulnerable to the worsening impacts of severe weather events. The lack of action on this issue is making precarious the safety, security, and happiness of women.
Immigration Heels
Climbing the back of the ladder without the security of a proper step is the shoe representing immigration. One side shows Lady Liberty, the other migrants waiting at the border for a chance at a better life, or even a life at all.
….A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Emma Lazarus
November 2, 1883
It’s the Economy, Stupid Heels
While there are improvements in some women’s economic opportunities, their stability remains precarious, contingent upon the preservation of a healthy and stable environment, on systems designed to exploit them, and often on the choices of those with more power and influence.
Patterns of Patriarchy In My Lifetime Heels
With the passing of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act 50 years ago women were finally able to get their own bank accounts without a man’s signature. The patterns of patriarchy persist though. These shoes show what women have fashioned for themselves whether pants, precedent, or legislation. The history of our progress is painful and the fight to close the gender pay gap continues as women are often penalized for parenthood, earn less than men for the same work, and pay more in interest.
These Athletic Queens Heels
The queens of sports stand as towering figures of achievement and excellence. They are trailblazers who break records, shatter barriers, and reach inspiring heights. Women like Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe, Caitlin Clark, and Serena Williams are women we look up to because of their achievements both physical and social.
Women’s Bodily Autonomy Heels
Women, like all people, should have the right to decide what happens to our bodies. It’s about recognizing and respecting the diverse needs and experiences of all individuals and ensuring that everyone has the agency to make choices that are best for themselves and their families. This is a right we were assured we would not lose. Bodily autonomy in the medical world once felt settled but with the fall of Roe too many women are now at greater and greater risk.
Not Enough Space Suits but Too Many Tampons Heels
We are sending women to space!! But NASA had to scrap an all female space walk because they didn’t have enough space suits to fit them. And they tried to send 100 tampons with one woman for her 6 day trip to space. Even reaching for the stars we let too many women down.
Affordable Competent Healthcare Heels
Universal healthcare. We need it now. We also need improved healthcare, where female bodies are included in the research and where women are given respect, pain management, diagnostic tests, and appropriate treatments. And like so many other areas of our society, women of color are furthest from equity.
Education Heels
Run. Hide. Fight.
Lights. Locks. Out of sight.
This is what our children are learning.
American education has fallen.
Global Conflict Heels
Do Not Cross Heels
There are things that are dangerous for our children. There are tools people carry, items they strap on, that need to be handled with caution as they often cause harm. There are people and professions whose presence increases risk for others. There are steps we can take to promote safety and secure mental and physical health.
None of them have to do with whether someone wears make up or heels. It is time for compassion and common sense.
Can’t Stand Him Heels
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